This blog does not quite fit in any of the other blog topics so I will put it here, however, my disclaimer is that I do not find this so unbelievable rather a step in the right direction...
"Would you consider yourself a member of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community?" This is the newest question on the application for admission for Elmhurst College. Elmhurst College recently added this question on their application mirroring two of their core values as an institution: 1) commitment to diversity and 2) respect for all individuals.
An article in the Chronicle of Higher Education sheds light on Elmhurst College as being the first university in the nation to ask this type of question on an admissions application. Elmhurst is proud to have so much focus on creating a diverse campus. In fact, their application also asks students for their ethnic identity, languages spoken in their homes, and their religious affiliations. Elmhurst included these intentional questions in order to build an open, diverse environment that is accepting of all students. They want students from various backgrounds to feel valued, respected, and welcome in their community. Not only do they take this approach in attempt to be inclusive, university officials also believe that one of the best ways for students to learn is when they are surrounded by individuals unlike themselves which leads to growth.
I think the intention of creating a more open and accepting campus environment is exciting. I believe every institution should be attempting to create such an atmosphere. I also wondered, beyond this intention of inclusiveness, what are some other reasons a GLBT student would need to disclose this type of personal information such as their sexual orientation on a college application? Another article in the Times News Feed showed that the question about students' sexual orientation will be used to help verify eligibility for scholarships awarded to students from underrepresented populations on campus. Therefore, students who identify themselves as a GLBT student will be eligible for that scholarship.
The article cited studies indicating that GLBT students are at a higher risk to experience a hostile campus environment and/or be a victim of harassment at their university than their heterosexual classmates. This appears to be another driving factor for Elmhurst to include a sexual orientation question on their admissions application. Their thinking is that if sexual orientation is out in the open and accepted then the Elmhurst campus and community will be and feel safer to GLBT students. My first thought was wondering if a student would refrain from disclosing their sexual orientation in fear this identification will somehow subject them to harassment rather than protect them from.
Overall, I think the addition of a sexual orientation question on applications for college admission is a good idea and a step in the right direction to a more inclusive, accepting nation. However I do believe change happens at a slow rate. Thinking of where we currently are, will some see this personal question as marginalization of the GLBT student populations? Because of this we must be careful when trying to be inclusive. I believe the intention is pure. I believe there will come a time when identifying as 'different' than the 'norm' will not be such a controversial issue on a college application. However, currently we must avoid marginalizing any student for any reason.
Last year, I worked with a underrepresented college population at UNC and I was trying to determine how our university can better support this population during their time as a Bear. After talking to the students, I found mixed needs and mixed desires. Some of these students wanted help, additional resources, and wanted to disclose their status. On the other hand, some of these students did not want to disclose their status because they did not want to be treated differently than the general student body. While the population I worked with was not GLBT students, it taught me that we must be sensitive to each student's wishes and desires no matter how pure our intentions. I commend Elmhurst College for the dedication and commitment to diversity and hope we continue to see more universities find ways to become continually more open, inclusive, and diverse institutions.
Thank you for a great post, Lisa! As the director for GLBT Student Services, I agree that it has a lot to do with inclusiveness, and showing that the institution recognizes that LGBTQ belongs in the definition of institutional diversity. By treating LGBTQ status as just one more aspect of diversity, it helps to "normalize" the concept in students' minds. As you also indicated, it might be a way to help connect these students to needed resources, including scholarships that they may have overlooked, information about the services the campus offers, and inclusion in LGBTQ social groups.
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned the marginalization of these students as an unintended consequence of asking this question, and identifying these students. I believe that the question on the application is completely optional, and includes a response of "Prefer Not To Answer". In so doing, those students who are not out of the closet can approach the services in their own time according to their comfort level. However, it does give those students who are willing to disclose the option of greater access. As I often explain the function of my office, I say it is our job to level the educational playing field for LGBTQ students to give them the opportunities to access their education.
Lisa, you made really good points in your assessment of the article and your examination of the pro's and potential cons of including the question on admission applications. I agree that any steps that can be taken to create a more inclusive environment for students of the LGBTQ community must be implemented. The optional question may be a step towards decreasing the marginalization of the GLBTQ campus community. My only concern with this question is that it does not allow for sexual orientation to be viewed as a fluid and dynamic aspect of an individual that can shift across a continuum rather than as a clear cut, stagnant, and distinct identity.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this post, Lisa! I think you made some great points, and I agree that Elmhurst is proceeding with good intentions by asking these questions; however, I agree that it may marginalize students in that population. I think there may need to be some more follow up to this question or like Ann said, these questions maybe shouldn't be asked before admission. What is the college going to do once they have the answer to this question? Perhaps a follow up or on a housing application, this may be useful. What does the student want the university to do with that information once they have it and what do students do once they do feel comfortable coming out and didn't initially put that on the application. Are they going to feel a need to let the university know?
ReplyDeleteI think this is good first step for Elmhurst, and I applaud them for taking the initiative to reach out to underrepresented populations.